…continued from page 1Family meant the world to Art. He was a loving father who only wanted the best for his children. He instilled in them the importance of education, hard work, kindness to others and most importantly family. His daughters will forever have fond memories of him making popcorn and watching movies together and the Sundayâ??s mornings when he made breakfast for them. He truly was a good father who they could always confide in and he was extremely proud of them.He was a caring grandfather who was always interested to hear what was happening in their lives and looked forward to their visits. He so enjoyed playing with them and making them laugh. They truly were the joy of his life and he adored them.For Art family and friends were the center of his life and his reason to exist. He put his familyâ??s needs above all for they were his precious jewels in life. He truly was a generous man who touched so many people in his lifetime.And now, a final word to you, Joan, his wife. While the blow falls hardest on you – it is the wife who feels it most when the companion of her youth and the subsequent years is taken from her – you have also reason to be grateful most. He was a wonderful husband, father and helpmate. You, too, were a devoted, and loving wife who was constantly at his side. Since you knew him longest and best, you know that the poet seems to speak right out of her heart when she says,"Shed not too many tears when I shall leave;Be brave enough to smile.It will not shorten, howsoever your grief,Your loneliness the while.I would not have you sorrowful and sad,But joyfully recallThe glorious companionship we've had,And thank God for it all.Don't let your face grow tear-streaked, pale and wan;Have heart for mirth and song –Rejoice, though for a little while I've gone,That I was here so long,For if I thought your faith would fail you so,And leave you so distressed,That sobbing to my body's grave you'd go,My spirit could not rest."Those who have gathered here have many and varied memories of the years that they spent together with Art Bryant. These memories have helped them to form their pattern of values, and have given them a perspective on the world, which will continue to influence and shape their lives in the years ahead.My friends, Artâ??s death leaves us sad. And yet, we must find consolation in the memories we have of a very special human being, who touched many lives. Art has left us a legacy of love, of strength, of goodness, and even of hope. Our task is indeed to mourn Art, but also to celebrate and honor the qualities, which he leaves behind.May God now usher him into Gan Eyden and grant him, his rightful place. May his memory be for a blessing in time to come, and let us say, Amen.Art had many interest and loves yet none compared with the love that he had for his family and his friends. And I can think of no one better than family and friends to speak about Art so at this time I call forward:Speakers â??Daughter MonicaDaughter BonnieArt is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Ida of blessed memory.He is survived by his wife, Joan, his daughters, Bonnie and her husband, John, Kathy and Monica and her husband, Sal, his grandchildren, Dustin, Ben, Zac and Lucas and other extended family members and friends who have come to remember the life of this special man.The family would like to thank Verona, Nancy and Rosema for the dedication, care and love they showed Art.Charity: The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimerâ??s Association.
